Piper Student Earns Eagle Scout Badge

SUNRISE — Steven Schappert, a resident of Sunrise, had been anticipating the moment for 12 years.

On May 20, he took part in his Eagle Scout Court of Honor at the Sunrise Fire Department.

Schappert, 17, received his Eagle Scout badge, the highest award in the Boy Scouts, in front of more than 100 relatives, friends and fellow scouts.

"He has always been very goal-oriented," said his mother, Roberta Schappert. "When he sets his mind on something, he gives 100 percent each and every time."

In order to qualify for the award, Steven Schappert had to demonstrate acquired leadership skills through a community service project.

Last year, he chose to help Markham Park in Sunrise promote a natural fish habitat in the park's man-made lake. He began the project by clearing the nature trail of fallen branches, which were then tied together to serve as breeding grounds for the fish. Once the bundles were lowered into the water, fish were put into the environment.

"The project is going really well," Roberta Schappert said. "He likes to take on things like this that have long-term benefits."

Besides scouting, Steven Schappert is commanding officer of the Army JROTC at Piper High School in Sunrise and a second lieutenant in the Florida Civil Air Patrol.

He also manages several sports teams at the high school and plans to attend the Air Force Academy once he graduates.